January 2025

Dear WFM Friends and Supporters, 

As we close the books on 2024, we are thrilled to celebrate an extraordinary milestone—together, we raised $1,000,000 over the past year! This achievement reflects the unwavering generosity and commitment of our community, and its impact will ripple across Montana in profound ways.

A portion of these funds has already been put to work, driving immediate change and addressing pressing needs. Another share is strategically earmarked for critical efforts in 2025, while the remainder will support the ongoing work toward achieving gender equity in Montana for generations to come.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Legislative Session holds immense significance. While we see opportunities to push for transformative policies like Paid Family and Medical Leave, we’re also preparing to stand up for the rights of all Montanans. 

Paid Family and Medical Leave: An Opportunity for Montana

Join us for a webinar on Thursday, January 16, 2025, 12:00-1:00 MST. Together with the Montana Budget and Policy Center and the Rocky Mountain Women’s Business Center, we’ll discuss the how a state Paid Family and Medical Leave policy can support Montana women and families.

Paid leave boosts employee retention, attracts top talent, and improves employee well-being, but for small employers, this benefit can be hard to provide on your own. If you’re a small business owner who wants to know how paid family and medical leave is good for business and what innovative solution the state could adopt to help, join us!

Register Now

Policy decisions at state and local levels need more input, insight, and perspective from women-run businesses, especially small businesses. 

Your voice and advocacy are crucial. Join us as we navigate this complex landscape and work toward a stronger, more equitable Montana.

Sincerely,  

YWCA Helena - Restoring Hope

Meet Jade – a former YWCA Helena Resident

"I lived at the YWCA for one year and they helped me through every challenge I faced, big and small, giving me the tools to overcome and persevere."

My family history is one of addiction and domestic violence. My parents chose relationships and alcohol before their kids. Looking back, I see just how dysfunctional every day was, but as a child, it all seemed very normal. I had children young and with every trial or triumph life threw at me I celebrated or self-medicated by drinking and using. I couldn’t hold a job, was in and out of jail, shoplifting, and sleeping with a bottle of booze under my pillow. In my mind, I was a good mother. I was functioning. I was present. Then things changed. I spent 2 months in jail and 30 days in an intensive in-patient treatment center. I had the opportunity to live at YWCA Helena and participate in the WINGS program. At first, I did not want to commit to the programs and people at the YWCA Helena. A week into my stay I began to see many of the women were living the life that I wanted. They were sober, living with their families, overcoming their past traumas and they were happy. Seeing them made it feel possible for me. I am committed to all programming and loved what I learned during my therapy sessions and parenting classes. The Caterpillars Parenting Center gave me the tools to reconnect with my son and offered guidance in navigating parenting challenges. I lived at the YWCA for one year and they helped me through every challenge I faced, big and small, giving me the tools to overcome and persevere. I am proud to say that I’ve been sober for 2 years, I have been living with my son in our apartment and have been working in our community serving others.

The mission of YWCA Helena is to prevent homelessness, provide safe and supportive housing for women and children experiencing homelessness, and provide services that restore hope, self-sufficiency, and happy and healthy lives. Jade’s journey is similar to many of the women we serve daily.

You can learn more about YWCA Helena, their WINGS Program, and The Caterpillars Parent Center here.

Guest blogs are written by WFM grantees.

WFM Grantee News and Opportunities

Code Girls United has merch! Check out their t-shirts, crew necks, hoodies and more to support Code Girls United!

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) has training sessions on January 11th and 12th, and January 18th and 19th, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Lunch will be provided. In this training, you will learn about the connection between abuse, power, and control. You will also gain skills on how to respond when someone discloses that they are experiencing violence, and understand how various agencies and local groups work together to effectively address violence. If you are interested in attending, please contact info@dsvsmontana.org.

Yellow Bird Life Ways: The Annual Fort Robinson Outbreak Spiritual 400 mile Run is held on January 8-14th, every year, and for the last 29 years. The runners commemorate and replicate the Northern Cheyenne breakout of Fort Robinson, on the actual date and time: January 9th, (1879). 10:30 at night. From the humble beginning of 14 runners; to now 80-100 youth completing the journey from Nebraska to Montana in subzero temperatures. The run originally began as a tribute to the Northern Cheyenne ancestors; now, it has become a forum for healing and wellness; youth leadership and empowerment; cultural & language preservation; environmental justice; and creating social change in our communities.

2025 Policy Leadership Institute with Catalyst Montana (formerly Montana Women Vote) is a multi-day training and community building event for anyone interested in realizing a future where there is justice, safety, and dignity for all. PLI is held annually and builds the skill and community necessary to create meaningful change in our lives as low-income and marginalized Montanans.

WFM is a powerful force for philanthropy in Montana because of your support. WFM grantees lead the way in creating strong communities that work for women and girls.

Learn more about WFM grantees here and see our 2024 funding summary.
 

Give Now!